Padma Lakshmi struggles to keep her footing on the ice in New York as returns from co-hosting The View

If you can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen, but it looks likes its the cold Padma Lakshmi can't stand in.

The top chef struggled to make her way across the snow strewn streets on New York on Monday.

The model and author was returning from co-hosting daytime chat show The View when she encountered some traction problems on the slippery sidewalk in 3C/38F temperatures.

Scroll down for video

Snow way through: Padma Lakshmi struggled to walk in the snow and ice in New York City on Monday

The high-heeled boots she's opted for probably didn't help her balance much, but she certainly looked the part, showing of her endless legs in fitted indigo jeans, with a white fur-trimmed black coat and snow white top keeping out the cold.

The 44-year-old was seen attempting to trudge through a roadside snow embankment before slipping on the ice, and only managing to save herself from a nasty fall with the help of a stopped car.

Lakshmi's closely following make companion wasn't much help to her, who just laughed as he watched her flail.

Ice to meet you: The author and model nearly went on her ear and she stumbled through the slush

Cold shoulder: Her friend wasn't much help as he watched laughing

Falling with style: The 44-year-old somehow still looked graceful as she tried to stay upright

While joining Whoopi and co on the panel, Lakshmi waded in on the Michelle Rodriguez 'white superhero' debacle.

'Why can't we have a black Superman or a Latin Wonder Woman? I don't see the problem,' the Indian born actress said.

During the weekend, Rodriguez called on appeared to call on minority actors to 'stop stealing superhero roles', telling them to 'make-up your own'.

Roadside assistance: The Top Chef would have had a wet bottom if it weren't for the support of a nearby car

Happy go lucky: The TV star kept a beaming smile throughout the ordeal

Carefully does it: The Indian stunner's choice of footwear wasn't ideal for the conditions

She later apologized in a Facebook video and clarified her statement, saying Asian, black and Latino writers were underrepresented, and that existing screenwriters should stop being lazy by tweaking the race or gender of existing characters, and instead create something new.

Lakshmi's snow fail pics are in stark contrast to her sure footed beach sprint pic that went viral last month, albeit for rather unflattering reasons.

While the mother-of-one appears as always in stunning condition, it was the 'mystery bulge' at her crotch that cause the photo to blow up on the internet.

On safer ground: Lakshmi was on her way to co-host The View, where she waded in to the Michelle Rodriguez 'minorities stealing white superheroes' debate

Or are you just happy to see me?: Padma's 'mystery bikini bulge' caused a bit of a stir online last month